Spiesen-Elversberg, Germany — SV Elversberg continued their impressive start to life in the Bundesliga with a convincing 4-1 victory over Mainz 05 at the Ursapharm-Arena on Friday, 30 October 2026.

The newly promoted side delivered a dominant first-half performance, scoring three times through Felix Keidel, Francis Onyeka and Maurice Krattenmacher before Cole Campbell added a spectacular fourth goal in stoppage time.

Benedict Hollerbach scored a late consolation for Mainz, while Stefan Posch was sent off in the closing moments as the visitors endured a difficult evening.

The victory moved Elversberg up to fifth place with 13 points from eight matches, further strengthening their impressive beginning to their maiden Bundesliga campaign.

Keidel and Onyeka put Elversberg in control

Elversberg made an aggressive start and took the lead in the seventh minute through Keidel.

The midfielder stepped up to take a free-kick from just outside the penalty area and curled a superb effort around the Mainz wall and into the net, leaving goalkeeper Robin Zentner with little chance.

The hosts continued to apply pressure and doubled their advantage in the 26th minute. David Mokwa drove forward before setting up Onyeka, whose finish gave Elversberg a commanding 2-0 lead.

It was a special moment for Onyeka, who registered his first Bundesliga goal.

Krattenmacher makes it three before half-time

Mainz struggled to contain Elversberg's attacking movement and conceded a third goal in first-half stoppage time.

Following a corner delivered by Keidel, Zentner failed to deal convincingly with the ball. Krattenmacher reacted quickest, controlled the loose ball and finished into the far corner in the 45th+1 minute.

Elversberg went into the break with a comfortable 3-0 advantage after an outstanding first-half display.

VAR denies Mainz as Campbell produces a stunning finish

Mainz attempted to respond after the restart and enjoyed more possession, but initially struggled to create clear opportunities.

The visitors thought they had reduced the deficit in the 66th minute when substitute Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer found the net. However, the goal was ruled out following a VAR review for offside.

Elversberg remained dangerous on the counter-attack and nearly added another when Mokwa was denied by Zentner.

The hosts eventually scored their fourth in the 90th+1 minute. Nicholas Mickelson supplied the ball for substitute Cole Campbell, who produced a spectacular scissor-kick finish to cap the performance.

Mainz managed to score a consolation goal moments later when Königsdörffer set up Hollerbach for a close-range finish in the 90th+2 minute.

Their evening ended on a further disappointing note as Posch received a second yellow card and was sent off in the 90th+5 minute.

Elversberg move into European places

The victory lifted Elversberg to fifth in the Bundesliga table with 13 points, continuing a remarkable beginning to their first season in Germany's top flight.

Keidel was named Man of the Match after opening the scoring with a superb free-kick and providing the corner that led to Krattenmacher's goal.

Mainz remained on 10 points after suffering their first away league defeat since March.

Elversberg will face Borussia Dortmund away in their next league fixture, while Mainz return home to take on Bayern Munich.

Match details

• Competition: Bundesliga, Matchday 8

• Result: SV Elversberg 4-1 Mainz 05

• Venue: Ursapharm-Arena an der Kaiserlinde, Spiesen-Elversberg

• Date: Friday, 30 October 2026

• Elversberg: Felix Keidel 7', Francis Onyeka 26', Maurice Krattenmacher 45+1', Cole Campbell 90+1'

• Mainz: Benedict Hollerbach 90+2'

• Red card: Stefan Posch (Mainz) 90+5'

• Man of the Match: Felix Keidel